Denmark to step up NATO commitments

The foreign minister, Anders Samuelsen, is unwavering in Baltic support, but calls for dialogue with Russia

Denmark’s new foreign minister, Anders Samuelsen, has wasted no time in underlining Denmark’s future NATO ambitions.

Samuelsen, who took part in a NATO meeting for foreign ministers in Brussels earlier this week, said that Denmark would be upping its efforts in the intergovernmental military alliance.

“Denmark is, and will continue to be, a core NATO nation,” said Samuelsen.

“It is the cornerstone of our security, but we will be taking even more responsibility and contributing more to co-operation in the future. That’s also part of the government platform.”

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Dialogue with Russia
Samuelsen said that NATO could count on Denmark when it comes to efforts in Afghanistan and a stronger presence in the Baltic region.

The foreign minister maintained that an honest dialogue with Russia regarding security and stability was important, but that the Danes would be standing firm in their support of the Baltic nations and their other easterly neighbours.

“Now we must get to work. There is a lot to co-operate about – such as preventing terrorism and migration in the Mediterranean.” said Samuelsen.